WASHINGTON (Jan. 23, 2014)—National Geographic Live’s spring 2014 season launches Jan. 27 when the popular Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour stops in Washington, D.C. Featuring six days of the world’s best short films and documentaries about mountain culture and sports, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will set the stage for a season of inspirational programs presented at National Geographic’s headquarters in downtown Washington. Nat Geo Live continues to enliven National Geographic’s mission of inspiring people to care about the planet through a diverse schedule of more than 40 events, including explorer talks, film screenings, tastings and musical performances.

“The spring 2014 season will continue Nat Geo Live’s tradition of bringing eye-opening stories and powerful experiences to Washington audiences,” said Gregory McGruder, National Geographic’s vice president for public programs. “We are very proud of the outstanding lineup of speakers and performers that we’ve assembled for this season and we look forward to providing Washingtonians with programs that will educate, inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.”

The Nat Geo Live spring season offerings include specially priced, themed ticket packages for its science, photography and adventure programs. The “Explore More” series includes a discussion on brain science titled “Mapping the Brain” as well as International FameLab, a live science competition hosted by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Kenny Broad. The popular “Masters of Photography” series returns with four lectures from award-winning photographers, including portrait photographer Martin Schoeller, animal photographer Vincent Musi, nature photographer Peter Essick and underwater photographer David Doubilet. Adrenaline junkies will appreciate the “Quest for Adventure” series, which features long-distance hiker and Appalachian Trail speed record holder Jennifer Pharr Davis in “46 Days: Triumph on the Trail” as well as a talk with photographer and filmmaker Carsten Peter in “Extreme Planet.” A ticket package for the annual “Environmental Film Festival” is also available, offering a 10 percent discount on admission to all three films.

Nat Geo Live refreshes and improves the audience experience every season. This past year, early bird pricing, enhanced food and beverage offerings, eco-friendly ticket options and free event parking were introduced. For select evening events this season, the National Geographic Museum and Store will offer extended hours for guests who purchase the $7 Museum Add-On Pass. For daytime audiences, Nat Geo Live’s popular “Tuesdays at Noon” film series continues, with free films that celebrate a new age of exploration every Tuesday, March 4 through April 29. In addition, there will be two student matinees offered for school groups, Feb. 20 and April 11, which include museum admission.

All events take place in National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium. Tickets may be purchased online at nglive.org/dc, via telephone at (202) 857-7700 or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 27 to ensure guaranteed early bird pricing. Free parking is available in the National Geographic underground garage for programs that begin after 6 p.m. For the full Nat Geo Live spring season schedule, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/events/dc-spring-2014-brochure/.

About National Geographic Live

National Geographic Liveis the live events division of the National Geographic Society, responsible for multimediapresentations, performances and film screenings for the general public, school audiences and sponsoring organizations around the world. For more information, visit nglive.org.